In a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukraine launched a surprise drone attack on Russian air bases, targeting key facilities housing nuclear-capable strategic bombers. The operation, dubbed "Spider's Web," reportedly involved 117 drones and struck airfields across five Russian regions, including Murmansk and Irkutsk. Ukrainian officials claimed that up to 41 aircraft were damaged or destroyed, while Russia acknowledged only minor damage. The attack marks a notable shift in Ukraine's military capabilities, demonstrating its ability to reach deep into Russian territory and inflicting a serious blow to Moscow's strategic arsenal.
In a series of deadly attacks across Ukraine, at least seven people were killed and over 27 injured as Russia launched long-range strikes on multiple cities, including Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strikes as deliberate attacks on civilians, emphasizing the need for decisive international support to halt the violence. The recent escalation occurred just after peace talks in Istanbul, where Russia reiterated its demands that Ukraine withdraw from occupied territories and limit its military capabilities. Zelenskyy called for a full ceasefire to facilitate negotiations, while Russia's response indicated no immediate breakthroughs were expected.
In the early hours of June 2-3, Russian drone attacks targeted the Ukrainian cities of Odesa and Chernihiv, resulting in significant damage to residential buildings and civilian infrastructure. In Odesa, five civilians were injured as fires broke out in residential areas and a food warehouse. Meanwhile, Chernihiv experienced a similar fate, with four individuals injured, including two in critical condition. Both cities are now assessing the damage and mobilizing emergency responses to assist affected residents.
In a recent round of peace talks held in Istanbul, Russia and Ukraine agreed to a significant prisoner swap involving at least 1,000 soldiers from each side and the return of 12,000 deceased soldiers. However, the discussions, which lasted just over an hour, failed to produce any progress towards a ceasefire, with both sides remaining sharply divided on key issues. Ukrainian officials criticized Russia's demands, which include territorial concessions and military limitations, as unacceptable. The talks come amid escalating military actions, including a major Ukrainian drone strike on Russian airbases.
